Containers for reusable shopping bags and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a container system for holding one or more reusable bags that comprises a compartment and permanently affixed upon its exterior surface a first pocket, and either an attachment motif or a holder. The compartment, also having an interior surface, comprises a first fabric and an opening that is dimensioned and for receiving/removing or storing a reusable bag within the interior of the compartment. The first pocket has a transparent portion. The attachment motif is configured to attach the container system to an object and the holder is configured for receiving a pen, a key chain or something the like. The invention further provides methods for using the container system.

1. FIELD

Container systems for carrying reusable shopping or utility bags andmethods for using same are provided.

2. BACKGROUND

Recently, environmental concerns have prompted regulations that banplastic bags in large supermarkets in certain states within the UnitedStates and elsewhere around the world. The same concerns have alsoprompted many consumers to voluntarily carry their own reusable shoppingbags with them when shopping, allowing them to decline the use of paperand plastic bags from merchants when they make purchases. One type ofreusable shopping or utility bag is made of string mesh to render thebags collapsible. However, mesh bags are uncomfortable to carry becausethey have a tendency to cut into the consumer's hand and decrease thecirculation of blood. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,998 to Phillipsissued on Oct. 29, 1991, the string mesh handles of such bags can befitted into slots in a reusable handle or shopping caddy made of a stiffmaterial such as wood or hard plastic to alleviate the discomfort ofcarrying mesh bags. But no convenient means for organizing andcoordinating the use of the mesh bag and shopping caddy has yet beendevised.

Others have made reusable bags made of canvas, because of its strength,including those with canvas handles that are easier to carry. However,canvas bags are heavy and bulky and do not collapse into compact sizesfor storage into a small space. Consequently, these bags are notconvenient for the consumer to store and carry for reuse. Additionally,such bags are not generally sized to be used with grocery assistanceracks commonly used at nationwide supermarket chains. Relatively fewconsumers take the trouble to actually reuse such inconvenient bags fortasks such as grocery shopping because such tasks require many bags anda consumer has little incentive to carry many canvas bags around due totheir weight and bulkiness.

FIGS. 1-6 depict a type of reusable bag system in which a consumer cancarry a compact reusable bag when such bag is stuffed or folded into aflexible carrier body. The bag stuffed in a carrier may be put inside apurse, a pocket, a larger carrier device, or alternative hung by alanyard, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,743 to Pulido et al., issued onOct. 12, 1993, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. However, because of its small size, the stuffed reusable bagdepicted in FIGS. 1-6 may not be easily located, especially when one isin a rush to go for a quick run to, for example, a grocery store or ashopping mall, thus defeating the purpose of the reusable bag.

Activities like grocery shopping occur in every household on a regularbasis. Indeed plastic bags contribute to a considerable portion of theplastic waste generated around the world. What is needed in the art areways to conveniently locate, carry, utilize, and maintain reusable bagssuch that they are accessible and functional to a consumer in order totruly serve the purpose of reducing the impact by the large number ofshopping bags and containers on our environmental.

3. SUMMARY

One aspect provides a container system for holding one or more reusablebags. The container system comprises a compartment with an exteriorsurface. The container system further comprises a first pocket that ispermanently affixed upon its exterior surface. In some embodiments thecontainer system further comprises an attachment motif. In someembodiments the container system further comprises a holder. Thecompartment has an opening that is dimensioned for receiving, removingand storing a reusable bag within the compartment interior. In someembodiments, the first pocket has a transparent portion (e.g., a clearplastic film is used as the surface of the first pocket in someembodiments). The first pocket is configured to receive a shopping listcomprising a plurality of items. And when a shopping list is stored inthe first pocket, the shopping list can be read through the transparentportion of the first pocket. In some embodiments, the surface of thefirst pocket is only semi-transparent or non-transparent but is designedwith a mesh-like structure. In such embodiments, the shopping list canstill be read through the transparent portion of the first pocket.

The attachment motif is configured to attach the container system to anobject (e.g., by using a magnet or a two layer system comprising a hooklayer and a loop layer) and the holder is configured for receiving anobject such as a pen, a key chain, a Finders Key Purse™, or a similaritem. The invention further provides methods for using the containersystem. In some embodiments, the container system has both a holder andan attachment motif. In some embodiments, the holder can also be used asan attachment motif or vice versa.

In some embodiments, the compartment comprises a first fabric. In someembodiments, this first fabric comprises animal textile, a planttextile, a mineral textile, a synthetic textile or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the first fabric is selected from thegroup consisting of cotton, calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo,grass, jute, wool, alpaca, cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose,cellulose, cellulose acetate, nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal,soybean protein fiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk,artificial silk, velvet, taffeta, Piña (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconutfiber), seaweed, modal, acetate rayon, glass fiber, basalt fiber, carbonfiber, metal fiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber, acrylate,Abaca, elastane, Olefin fiber, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride fibers,Viscose fiber, Vicuna fiber, polyphenylene sulfide, polybenzimidazole(PBI) fiber, polyactide fiber, linen, Lyocell fiber, Kenaf fiber,KEVLAR®, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, andSorona polymer.

Another aspect provides a method for utilizing a container system. Thecontainer system comprises a compartment that is made of a first fabric,the compartment having an interior, where the compartment comprises anopening that is dimensioned and configured to have at least a firststate and a second state, and where the container system comprises (i) afirst pocket permanently attached to an exterior surface of thecompartment, the first pocket comprising a transparent portion, and (ii)an attachment motif affixed to or embedded in the compartment. In themethod, the compartment is set to the first state, where, when theopening is in the first state, the compartment is configured to receivea reusable bag in said interior. Further in the method, a reusable bagis placed in the interior of the compartment. The compartment is thenset to the second state in which the compartment is configured to storethe reusable bag in the interior but is not configured for receiving orremoving the reusable bag from the interior. A shopping list is placedin the first pocket. The container system is attached to an object usingthe container system attachment motif. The shopping list is reviewedthrough the transparent portion of the first pocket. In someembodiments, the method further comprises setting the compartment to thefirst state and removing the reusable bag from the container. In someembodiments the container system further comprises a holder permanentlyaffixed to an exterior surface of the container and the method furthercomprises inserting a pen, a key chain, or a key finder into the holder.

In some embodiments, the compartment of the container system furthercomprises two or more holders. For example, the two or more holders arelocated on the same side of the compartment. Alternatively, the two ormore holders are located on two or more sides of the compartment. Insome embodiments, one of the two or more holders holds a pen. In otherembodiments, one of the two or more holders holds a key locator. In someembodiments, one of the two or more holders holds a pen while another ofthe two or more holders holds a key locator.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The features and advantages disclosed herein will be better understoodby reference to the following detailed description, which should be readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a container containing a reusable bag in accordancewith the prior art.

FIG. 6 illustrates the reusable bag taken out of the container inaccordance with the prior art.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a back view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate side views of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a reusable bag taken out of an exemplary embodimentof a compartment with a holder and a pocket in accordance with an aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of acompartment with a holder and a pocket containing a reusable bag inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the back of an exemplaryembodiment of a compartment with a holder and a pocket containing areusable bag in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of the attachment motif of anexemplary embodiment of a compartment with a holder and a pocketcontaining a reusable bag in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a container system forreusable shopping bags. An integral part of the container is acompartment. This compartment is integrated with permanently fixedmotifs to form the container system. One such permanently fixed motif isfor attaching the compartment to another object such as the surface of arefrigerator, a hook, a knob, etc. Another is a pocket for storingnotes, shopping lists, coupons and the like. In some embodiments, thecontainer system further includes a holder device, also permanentlyaffixed to the compartment, for holding a pen.

5.1 Apparatus

Depicted in FIG. 7 is a container system 100 in accordance with oneaspect of the present invention. The container system comprises acompartment 10, which has an opening 30 formed by sides 40. The opening30 is configured to have two different states: an open state and aclosed state. In the open state, the opening 30 is configured forreceiving one or more reusable shopping bags. In some embodiments, thecompartment 10 further has a holder 80 attached to its side. In someembodiments, a reusable bag (not shown in FIG. 7) is folded or stuffedinto a compact shape and put inside compartment 10. The opening 30 isfurther provided with a closing device 50 to close the sides 40. In someembodiments, the exterior surface of the compartment 10 has largersurfaces (e.g., a front surface and/or back surface) and smallersurfaces (e.g., a side, where the larger surfaces have a larger surfacearea than the smaller surfaces). In some embodiments, a pocket 20 isattached to the exterior surface of the compartment 10. The pocket 20 isused to display a note such as a grocery list or coupon. In someembodiments, the holder 80 is permanently affixed to the side of thecompartment 10 and a pen or pencil 90 is attached to the holder 80. Inother embodiments, an object other than a pen or pencil may be insertedinto the holder 80 including a key finder, a key chain or anything thelike.

Now that an overview of an apparatus in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure has been provided, specific components of theapparatus will be described in more detail.

Compartment 10. The Compartment 10 has an interior surface and anexterior surface. In some embodiments, the interior surface and exteriorsurface are made of the same type of material. In some embodiments, anadditional coating, such as water repellent coating, is applied oneither the interior surface or the exterior surface.

The compartment 10 can be made of any material, flexible or rigid.Preferably the compartment 10 is made of a flexible but durable fabricsuch as plastic, leather, canvas, or a durable, water resistant nylonfabric, such as “Oxford” nylon having a denier of at least 200. Thecompartment 10 can be of any shape, but preferably has a relativelylarger surface in at least one dimension where a pocket is permanentlyaffixed. In some embodiments, the compartment 10 has a rectangular shapeas depicted in FIGS. 7-9. In other embodiments, the compartment 10 mayhave a non-rectangular shape such as a round shape, an oval shape, atriangular shape, or any other suitable shape.

While any shape can be used for the compartment 10, it is preferred touse a geometric shape that forms a mirror image with itself tofacilitate the function of the closing device 50 and the holder 80.Therefore, circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, hexagons and octagonsall tend to work well in this application. The thickness of thecompartment 10 should be suitable for its function as a container for anarticle or multiple articles once such articles have been folded up. Thecompartment 10 may also be an elongated cylindrical shape. In someembodiments, the shape of the compartment 10 is slightly altered once areusable bag is placed into the compartment 10.

The compartment 10 can be made of any material, preferably a flexibleone, and can be of any shape, but is preferably elongated and sized tobe grasped comfortably by the hand or to be conveniently carried insidea handbag, briefcase, backpack, a piece of luggage, or a large pocket.While the exact size and shape of the compartment 10 can vary, it islarge enough to contain one or more reusable bags, preferably of 70denier, or “Rip Stop” nylon, such as those shown in FIG. 14. Optionally,the compartment 10 is also large enough to hold a lightweight shoppingcaddy, such as that claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,998 issued toPhillips on Oct. 29, 1991, which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In some embodiments, the exterior of thecompartment 10 also preferably provides a surface to which can beaffixed or upon which can be embossed or imprinted a design or label,such as a decorative or promotional design.

The compartment 10 can be made of an animal textile, a plant textile, amineral textile, a synthetic textile (organic or inorganic), or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the compartment 10 comprisescotton, calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool,alpaca, cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, celluloseacetate, nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean proteinfiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, artificial silk,velvet, taffeta, TENCEL®, Piñfa (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconut fiber),seaweed, modal, DRACON® fiber, SARAN® fiber, acetate rayon, glass fiber,basalt fiber, carbon fiber, metal fiber, polyester, aramid fiber,acrylic fiber, acrylate, Abaca, SPANDEX® (or elastane), Olefin fiber,polyolefin, VINYON® (or polyvinyl chloride fibers), Viscose fiber,Vicuna fiber, Sulfar (or polyphenylene sulfide), polybenzimidazole (PBI)fiber, INGEO® fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, LYCRA®, Lyocellfiber, Kenaf fiber, KEVLAR®, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene,polyurethane, or Sorona polymer. In some embodiments, a layer of waterproof material is coated on the exterior surface of the compartment 10.

In some embodiments, decorative accent is added to the compartment 10 toenhance its appeal. In one example, the compartment 10 is personalizedwith the owner's initials. The compartment 10 may also be dyed anydesirable color or pattern of colors.

In some embodiments, the exterior of the compartment 10 has a dimensionof 10 centimeters squared (cm²) or larger, 20 cm² or larger, 50 cm² orlarger, 70 cm² or larger, 100 cm² or larger, 150 cm² or larger, or 200cm² or larger. In some embodiments, a side dimension of the compartment10 is 5 centimeters (cm) or larger, 7 cm or larger, 9 cm or larger, or10 cm or larger.

In some embodiments, the volume of the compartment 10 is 10 cubiccentimeters (cm³) or larger, 20 cm³ or larger, 50 cm³ or larger, 70 cm³or larger, 100 cm³ or larger, 150 cm³ or larger, or 200 cm³ or larger.

Pocket 20. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pocket 20 is located on aportion of the exterior surface of the compartment 10. The pocket 20 hasa pocket opening 25 through which a note may be put into the pocket anddisplayed. In some embodiments, the pocket opening 25 is located at thetop of the compartment 10 near the opening 30. In some embodiments, thepocket opening 25 is located at the bottom of the compartment 10 awayfrom the opening 30. In some embodiment, the pocket opening 25 islocated at a side of the compartment 10, for example, near holder 80 oraway from holder 80 on the opposite side. The pocket 20 has atransparent surface through which a note may be displayed. The note, forexample, may be a list of grocery items, a coupon for shopping oranything relevant and suitably sized.

Preferably, the pocket 20 has a transparent portion. In some instancesthis transparent portion comprises a plastic film made of a syntheticpolymeric material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon,polyester, polyurethane or polyethylene terephthalate. In some instancesthe plastic film is either transparent or opaque. When a plastic film isused, it is single-layered or multi-layered and is made of the same ordifferent film materials which are suitable to the end use application.If the pocket material is multi-layered, the layers may be made ofdifferent materials which are joined together; for example, as a net orwebbing bonded to a plastic film, fabric material or a paper.

In some embodiments, the pocket 20 has a mesh or webbed surface,transparent or opaque, but through which notes or coupons may be readilyrecognizable. In some embodiments, such transparent pockets may be madeof elastic material such that the pockets can be expanded to house morenotes, coupons, or the like. In some embodiments, the pocket 20 istransparent enough such that writings on any note stored in the pocketmay be read without having to take such notes out of the pocket. In someembodiments, the pocket 20 is only partially transparent.

In some embodiments, the pocket 20 comprises cotton, calico, satin,hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool, alpaca, cashmere,mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, cellulose acetate, nylon,casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean protein fiber, Manila hemp,ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, artificial silk, velvet, taffeta,TENCEL®, Piñfa (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconut fiber), seaweed, modal,DRACON® fiber, SARAN® fiber, acetate rayon, glass fiber, basalt fiber,carbon fiber, metal fiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber,acrylate, Abaca, SPANDEX® (or elastane), Olefin fiber, polyolefin,VINYON® (or polyvinyl chloride fibers), Viscose fiber, Vicuna fiber,Sulfar (or polyphenylene sulfide), polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber, INGEO®fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, LYCRA®, Lyocell fiber, Kenaffiber, KEVLAR®, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, orSorona polymer.

In some embodiments, there is more than a single pocket 20, and suchpockets 20 are located on more than one exterior surface of thecompartment 10. For example, in some embodiments a second pocket 20 islocated on a second exterior side of the compartment 10. In someembodiments, the pocket 20 is one pocket that circumferentially wrapsaround the compartment 10. In some embodiments, the pocket 20 is made ofelastic material that is configured to tightly hold a note. In someembodiments a second pocket 20 is attached on an exterior surface of thecompartment 10 that is opposite to an exterior surface of thecompartment 10 where a first pocket 20 is provided.

Opening 30. Referring to FIG. 7, the compartment 10 contains an opening30. Preferably, the opening 30 is located on an end of the compartment10, for example on a side of the compartment 10 or on a surface of thecompartment 10. In some embodiments, the opening 30 is formed by sideflaps 40 and is configured to have two different states: and open stateand a closed state. In its open state, the opening 30 is configured forreceiving one or more reusable shopping bags or for having one or morereusable shopping bags removed from therein. In its closed state, theopening 30 is configured to retain one or more reusable shopping bagsthat have already been put inside the compartment 10. The closed stateis achieved by using the closing devise 50, which is described in detailbelow.

The opening 30 is preferably located at an end of the container 10, forexample, at the top end as depicted in FIG. 7. The opening 30 isprovided with a closing device 50, such as strips of self-adhesivematerial positioned approximately opposite to each other, for example,on opposite sides 40 facing each other, to allow for engagement whenpressed together or otherwise closed. Alternatively, a snap, a zipper,or any other type of self-adhesive closing device known to those skilledin the art, can be used to close the opening 30. In some embodiments,the opening 30 is not limited only to one side of the compartment 10.For example, the opening 30 can occupy two or more sides of thecompartment 10. In these embodiments, the closing device willaccordingly also be located on two or more sides of the compartment 10.

In certain embodiments, the opening 30 is formed by two sides 40; oneside 40 is equipped with an additional fold that can be folded to wrapover the other side 40. The resulting opening 30 is naturally in aclosed state when the additional fold is wrapped over the other side 40,thus rendering a closing device 50 unnecessary.

In some embodiments, the opening 30 comprises a relatively large side 40which can be folded over a simple side 40. This system is similar tothat of the conventional women's wallet or small purses.

Closing device 50. A closing device 50 is used to secure the opening 30such that the compartment 10 is in a closed state to retain one or morereusable bags 60 inside. In some embodiments, the opening 30 is locatedon a surface of the compartment 10 and formed by two sides 40. Theclosing device 50 can be any suitable closing device, including but notlimited to one or more buttons, strips of self-adhesive materialpositioned on opposite sides 40 (in order to allow for engagement whenpressed together or otherwise closed) or the like. In the case where oneor more buttons are used, such buttons can be, for example, shankbuttons, cover buttons, flat or sew-through buttons, worked or clothbuttons, Mandarin buttons, silk knots and the like.

Alternatively, any of a variety of fasteners are used to as closingdevice 50. Preferably, the type of fastener is releasable, reusablefastener such as one or more snaps, a VELCRO® system with a hook layerand a loop layer, a zip-lock fastener, a metal twist closure, or anyother type of fastener that is releasable and reusable. If the fastenertype is a two-part fastener such as a snap, a VELCRO® system with a hooklayer and a loop layer, or a zip-lock fastener, the separate parts ofthe two-part fastener are disposed at predetermined locations on sideflaps 40. In this way, the separate parts of the two-part fastener alignto close and secure the reusable bag 60 within the container 10.

The closing device 50 may further include a snap fastener, a popper, apress stud, a rivet, a zipper, a VELCRO® closing system with a hooklayer and a loop layer, a magnet flip, or a self-adhesive closingdevice. Alternatively, any type of closing device known to those skilledin the art can be used as the closing device 50 to close the opening 30.

In other embodiments, the closing device 50 is a shoelace like system.In still other embodiments, the closing devise 50 is a drawstring systemthat goes around side flaps 40. When the string is drawn, excess stringforms a loop that is used to hang the compartment 10 or container system100 onto a hook, a knob, a handle, a nail, a key holder or any otherprotruding objects. In its drawn state, the drawstring closes theopening 30 and forms a loop by which the container system 100 is hungonto a hook, a knob, a handle, a nail, a key holder or any otherprotruding objects. In still other embodiments, the closing device 50 isan elastic string that goes around the side flaps 40. The opening 30 isopened by expanding the string and is closed otherwise.

In some embodiments, the opening 30 is not limited only to one side ofthe compartment 10. Accordingly, the closing device 50 is also notlimited to one side of the compartment 10. For example, the closingdevice 50 can be a zipper that zips around the compartment 10 and coverstwo or three sides of the compartment.

Attachment motif 70. In some embodiments, the compartment 10 is furtherprovided with an attachment motif 70 such that the compartment 10 (andthus the container system 100) can be attached to a surface. Examples ofsuch a surface include, but are not limited to the front or side of arefrigerator, a wall, a desk/table, the surface of a cabinet, etc.Alternatively, the attachment motif can be used to attached thecompartment 10 (and thus the container system 100) to other objects suchas, for example, a hook, a handle, a nail, a key holder, a knob, ahandle or any protruding objects. In some embodiments, referring to FIG.9, attachment motif 70 is a magnet located on or in a side of thecompartment 10.

Preferably, the magnet is embedded in layers of material that form thecompartment 10, as depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17A. Also preferably, themagnet has a dimension that is significantly smaller than the dimensionsof the container 10. For example, in some embodiments the magnet is adisk of circular, square, triangular, or rectangular shape that easilyfits into layers of fabric that form the container 10. In someembodiments, the largest dimension of the magnet is 400 millimeters orsmaller, 200 millimeters or smaller, 100 millimeters or smaller, 50millimeters or smaller, 25 millimeters or smaller, 20 millimeters orsmaller, or 50 millimeters or smaller. In some embodiments, the strengthof the magnet is strong enough to attach the container system 100 havinga mass of 10 grams or more, 15 grams or more, 20 grams or more, 30 gramsor more, 50 grams or more, 75 grams or more, 100 grams or more, 120grams or more, 150 grams or more, 175 grams or more, 200 grams or more,250 grams or more, 300 grams or more, 350 grams or more, 400 grams ormore, 450 grams or more, or 500 grams or more to a surface or object.

In some embodiments, the attachment motif 70 utilizes a VELCRO® systemwhich comprises a hook layer and a loop layer. In some embodiments, theattachment motif 70 is fixed onto a smooth surface via suction pressureby a suction cup, or a similar device. Additionally, in someembodiments, the compartment 10 (and hence container 100) is looselyattached to an object, for example, hung from a hook, a knob, a handle,a nail, a key holder or any other protruding objects. Accordingly, inthese embodiments, the attachment motif 70 takes the form of a strap, aclip, a clasp, an elastic band, a handle, a drawstring, or the like. Insome embodiments, the attachment motif 70 is a drawstring that alsoserves as the closing device 50.

In some embodiments, the compartment 10 has both an attachment motif 70(e.g., an embedded magnet, a VELCRO® system with a hook layer and a looplayer) and a drawstring closing 50 so that the compartment 10 isattached to a metal object such as a refrigerator via the magnet or hungto a hook, a knob by the draw string.

Still additionally, the attachment motif 70 can be a clasp, a keychain/ring or the like that is permanently fixed to the compartment 10.The clasp can be round, square or oblong, made of plastic, metal orfiber the carrier body can be made of a variety of fabrics and inseveral shapes; and the additional embodiments of attachment motif 70can be made of a variety of materials and shapes. Sizes can be alteredsomewhat as long as the overall size remains convenient.

In some embodiments, the attachment motif 70 is not permanently attachedto the compartment 10. For example, in some embodiments the attachmentmotif is a clip that clips onto an end of the compartment 10. The clipthen allows the compartment 10 to be clipped or attached to otherobjects. Alternatively, the compartment 10 is attached to a device suchas a key locator as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,922 to Stein issuedon Dec. 18, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety. The compartment 10 may be attached to the key locatorthrough the a holder 80, as described below. In these embodiments, thecontainer system 100 is attached to a key locator (e.g., FINDERS KEYPURSE® available from Alexx, Inc.). The key locator allows a containersystem 100 to be fixed on the side of a purse, a pocket or a similardevice and therefore can be easily located and accessible to the user.In these embodiments, the external attachment devices function asattachment motif 70. Any device that allows such attachment can beutilized in conjunction with the compartment 10 and container system100.

Holder 80. Referring to FIGS. 10-15, a holder 80 is optionallypermanently fixed to one of the surfaces of the compartment 10 (e.g., aside) in some embodiments. The holder 80 is configured to receive a pen,a pencil, or the like. In some embodiments, the holder 80 is a loopthrough which a pen or pencil is attached. In other embodiments, anobject such as a key chain, a key locator (e.g., FINDERS KEY PURSE®available from Alexx, Inc.) may be attached to the holder 80. Inpreferred embodiments, the loop is made of the same material that thecompartment 10 or reusable bag 60 comprises, which includes but is notlimited to cotton, calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass,jute, wool, alpaca, cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose,cellulose acetate, nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybeanprotein fiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, artificialsilk, velvet, taffeta, TENCEL®, Piña (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconutfiber), seaweed, modal, DRACON® fiber, SARAN® fiber, acetate rayon,glass fiber, basalt fiber, carbon fiber, metal fiber, polyester, aramidfiber, acrylic fiber, acrylate, Abaca, SPANDEX® (or elastane), Olefinfiber, polyolefin, VINYON® (or polyvinyl chloride fibers), Viscosefiber, Vicuna fiber, Sulfar (or polyphenylene sulfide),polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber, INGEO® fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®,linen, LYCRA®, Lyocell fiber, Kenaf fiber, KEVLAR®, polypropylene,polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, or Sorona polymer.

In some embodiments, the holder 80 is a loop made of elastic materialsuch that pens or pencils of different widths and sizes and shapes maybe attached to the holder. In other embodiments, the holder 80 isattached to a key locator (e.g., FINDERS KEY PURSE® available fromAlexx, Inc.). In additional embodiments, the holder 80 functions as anattachment motif through which the compartment 10 is attached to a hook,a knob, a handle, a nail, a key holder or any other protruding objects.

In some embodiments, there are more than one holder 80 permanentlyaffixed to the compartment 10. For example, there are two or moreholders, three or more holders, four or more holders, five or moreholders, six or more holders, eight or more holders, ten or moreholders, all of which are permanently affixed to the compartment 10. Insome embodiments, the two or more holders are located on the same sideof the compartment. Alternatively, the two or more holders are locatedon two or more sides of the compartment. In some embodiments, one of thetwo or more holders holds a pen. In other embodiments, one of the two ormore holders holds a key locator. In some embodiments, one of the two ormore holders holds a pen while another of the two or more holders holdsa key locator.

Reusable bag 60. The compartment 10 is used to retain one or morereusable bags 60. In preferred embodiments, one or more reusable bags 60are folded into compact shapes and put inside the compartment 10. Insome embodiments, creases are provided during manufacturing of suchreusable bags 60 so that they can be easily folded into compact shapes.

As also illustrated in FIG. 14, reusable bag 60 is preferably providedwith reinforced handle regions 62 located at the top of armholes 64,which handle regions are optionally sized to fit into slots in a rigidcarrying handle or shopping caddy, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,060,998 issued to Phillips on Oct. 29, 1991, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Reinforced handleregions 62 can be fashioned by folding together and sewing or otherwisesecuring, for instance by gluing, or melting the material forming thehandle at the top of the armhole to form a compact, narrow region thatfits comfortably into the palm of the hand. In some embodiments, thelength of the handle region is between three to five inches and thewidth of the handle region is about one inch. In some embodiments, thelength of the handle region is less than three inches and the width ofthe handle region is about one inch. In some embodiments, the length ofthe handle region is longer than five inches, preferably longer thanseven or eight inches, such that the reusable bag may be carried as atote bag in addition to being carried by hand. The width of the handleregion can be narrower than one inch, for example, around 0.5 or 0.7inch. Alternatively, the width of the handle region can be wider thanone inch, for example, wider than 1.5, 2 or even 3 inches.

In some embodiments, the reusable bag is preferably designed and sizedto be supported in an upright, open position by the rigid arms thatextend from the frame of a grocery assistance rack, commonly known as “aplastic bag rack holder,” such as those presently used in nationwidesupermarket chains. There are two basic types of grocery assistancedevices in use today. One type utilizes supporting arms with steppedportions over which the handles of a grocery bag are stretched to holdthe bag in an open, upright attitude while it is filled. For use withthis type of grocery assistance device, reusable bag 60 is provided witharmholes 64 dimensioned to fit the grocery assistance device. Generally,the armholes will measure between about ten and five inches whenstretched tautly by placing two fingers inside the armhole and movingthem apart to stretch the armhole as far as possible; e.g., until thearmhold collapses to form two parallel sides. In the open position thearmhole will therefore have a circumference of between about 20 and 10inches. A second type of grocery assistance device utilizes straight,rigid arms from which the reusable bag is suspended for filling. For usewith this second type of grocery assistance device, the reusable bag 60can also be provided with internal loops having a circumference ofbetween about five and three inches fixedly attached at opposite sidesnear the opening 30 of reusable bag 60. For instance, the loops can besewn or otherwise affixed into the side seams of reusable bag 60. Theloops are located such that reusable bag 60 hangs from the supportingarms within the confines of the side panels of the grocery assistancedevice.

In other embodiments, the bottom of reusable bag 60 is preferablyconstructed with squared gussets located in vertical alignment witharmholes 64 so as to provide the reusable bag 60 a bottom surface havingsquared corners, such that the bottom surface of reusable bag 60 (notshown) forms a rectangular or square surface. Squared gussets can beformed by folding the material from which the bottom of reusable bag 60is constructed along each side seam of reusable bag 60 to form anisosceles triangle that is symmetrically attached to each side seam ofreusable bag 60 so that the point of the triangle points at the lowestpoint of armhole 64 and the base of the triangle is perpendicular to theside seam of reusable bag 60. One skilled in the art can devisealternate means of reusable bag 60 so as to provide a bottom surfacewith squared corners, for instance such as is found in many paper bags.

In some embodiments, the reusable bag 60, such as a shopping bag asshown in FIG. 14, is constructed of lightweight nylon to combinestrength and ease of folding. These bags have features that enhancetheir usefulness to consumers interested in conserving environmentalresources without sacrificing convenience. In some embodiments, thereusable bag 60 is reversible (e.g., can be turned inside out). In theseembodiments, the two sides (interior and exterior sides) of reusable bagcan have different print patterns or colors.

The fabric used to make the reusable bag 60 is polymeric or cellulosebased in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fabric used to makethe reusable bag 60 is a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber, or acombination thereof. Examples of natural fibers include, but are notlimited to, cotton, wool, flax, hemp and silk. Examples of syntheticfibers include, but are not limited to, acrylic, nylon, polyester,polyethylene, polyurethane and polyvinyl fibers. Further examples ofsynthetic fibers also include transformed natural polymers such asacetates and rayons. The material used to make the reusable bag 60 canbe single-layered or multi-layered and, if multi-layered, of the same ordifferent film materials. Such film materials are either woven ornon-woven in some embodiments. Any of the materials used to makereusable bag 60 may be from recycled or virgin sources, or somecombination thereof.

In some embodiments, a lanyard is used to tether a reusable bag 60 tothe compartment 10 body that houses the reusable bag when it is foldedup. A lanyard can be made of any flexible, durable material, such as asmall chain, fabric or elastic cording, plastic rope, and the like. Toaccomplish tethering of the compartment 10 to the reusable bag 60, thelanyard is either fixedly or releasably attached at each end to connectthe compartment to a reusable utility or shopping bag in someembodiments. In one embodiment, a lanyard is fixedly attached to thecompartment 10 by any suitable means, such as by molding it into thecompartment 10 or by sewing it into an interior seam of the compartment10, for instance near the opening 30. Alternatively, a lanyard isfixedly attached to the reusable bag 60, preferably by sewing one end ofit into an interior seam, and releasably attached the compartment 10.

Thus, in one embodiment, the container system 100 with the reusable bags60 provides a consumer with a system for conveniently storing one ormore collapsible, lightweight reusable shopping bags 60 and, optionally,a shopping caddy or any relevant items. Moreover, the lanyardsubstantially enhances the convenience of the system by providing ameans to safely store the carrier and attached car keys within theshopping bag when the shopping bag and/or shopping caddy has beenwithdrawn from the carrier for use and filled with purchases. Once theconsumer has transported the reusable bag and purchases to theautomobile, the carrier and car keys can be released from the lanyard,and withdrawn from the shopping bag to make the car keys accessible foruse.

5.2 Materials Used to Make the Apparatus

The compartments and reusable bags of the present invention can be madeout of a broad range of materials as long as the reusable bags aredurable, lightweight, and can be folded or stuffed into compact sizes tobe put inside the compartments for carrying purposes.

The compartments and reusable bags of the present invention can be madeof a woven fabric, a knitted fabric or a non-woven fabric. Thecompartments and reusable bags of the present invention can be made of afabric containing an animal textile, a plant textile, a mineral textile,a synthetic textile (organic or inorganic), or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the term fabric means a planar structure produced byinterlacing yarns, fibers, or filaments. As such, the fabrics used tomake the compartments and bags of the present invention include, but arenot limited to, bonded fabrics (or nonwoven fabrics) consisting of a webof fibers held together with a cementing medium that does not form acontinuous sheet of adhesive material; a braided fabric produced byinterlacing several ends of yarns such that the paths of the yarns arenot parallel to the fabric axis; a knitted fabric produced byinterlooping one or more ends of yarn; and/or a woven fabric produced byinterlacing two or more sets of yarns, fibers, or filaments such thatthe elements pass each other essentially at right angles and one set ofelements is parallel to the fabric axis provided that such fabricspermits transmission of a substantial amount of the light used in thetreatment wavelength range.

The fibers used to form the fabrics that are used to make thecompartments and bags of the present invention can be inorganic fibers,natural organic fibers or synthetic organic fibers. Representativeinorganic fabrics include, but are not limited to, carbon graphitefibers, such as THORNEL®, and zirconia fibers such as Ziercar.Representative natural organic fibers include, but are not limited to,animal fibers (e.g., wool from sheep, mohair from goats, camel's hairand silk) and vegetable fibers (e.g., seed hairs such as cotton; bastfibers such as flax, hemp, jute, and ramie; and vascular fibers). Insome embodiments, vegetable fibers that contain high proportions ofcellulose are used. In one embodiment, mercerized cotton is used as afiber. Mercerized cotton is cotton that has been treated with causticsoda while under tension. Examples of synthetic organic fibers that canbe used in the fabrics used herein include, but are not limited to,rayons (e.g., viscose rayon, acetate rayon, cuprammonium rayon,saponified acetate rayon, high-wet modulus rayon), nylons (e.g., nylon6,6, Nomex, and nylon 6), polyesters, acrylic fibers, modacrylic fibers,SARAN® fiber, olefin fibers (e.g., polyethylenes, polypropylenes), andTEFLON® fibers.

The fabrics of the compartments and bags disclosed herein may come froma polymeric or cellulosic sources. In some embodiments, the fabricscomprise natural fibers, synthetic fibers or combinations thereof.Examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool, flax, hemp and silk.Examples of synthetic fibers include acrylic, nylon, polyester,polyethylene, polyurethane and polyvinyl fibers. Synthetic fibers mayalso include transformed natural polymers such as acetates and rayons.The cloth-like material may be a single layer or multiple layers of thesame or different film materials that may be either woven or non-woven.

Generally, materials in the fabrics for making the compartments and bagsdisclosed herein are selected from the group consisting of cotton,calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool, alpaca,cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, cellulose acetate,nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean protein fiber, Manilahemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, artificial silk, velvet, taffeta,TENCEL®, Piña (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconut fiber), seaweed, modal,DRACON® fiber, SARAN® fiber, acetate rayon, glass fiber, basalt fiber,carbon fiber, metal fiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber,acrylate, Abaca, SPANDEX® (or elastane), Olefin fiber, polyolefin,VINYON® (or polyvinyl chloride fibers), Viscose fiber, Vicuna fiber,Sulfar (or polyphenylene sulfide), polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber, INGEO®fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, LYCRA®, Lyocell fiber, Kenaffiber, KEVLAR®, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, orSorona polymer. In some embodiments, the fabrics used to make thecompartments and bags disclosed herein are made of any of the fibersdisclosed herein where such fibers are either in yarn form or are not inyarn form. Yarns is made from one or more of the fibers described hereinor from other fibers known in the art using known techniques.

More details about types of fibers and characteristics of fibers thatcan be used to make the compartments and bags disclosed herein is foundin, for example, Surface Characteristics of Fibers and Textiles(Surfactant Science) edited by Pastore and Kiekens and published by CRCon Apr. 15, 2001 edited; Natural Fibers, Plastics and Composites (KindleEdition) by Wallenberger, published by Springer on October, 2003;Textile Fibers by Matthews and edited by Mauersberger and published byWiley in 1947; and Von Bergen and Krauss, The Textile Atlas, TextileBook Publishers, Inc., Hess, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

In some embodiments, the fabrics used to make the compartments and bagsdisclosed herein are made from a yarn or fiber that is between 50 denierand 100 denier, between 100 denier and 800 denier, between 150 denierand 500 denier, greater than 100 denier, or less than 1000 denier, wheredenier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. Onedenier defines a fabric that has the mass of 1 gram per 9,000 meters.

In some embodiments, fabrics used to make the compartments and bagsdisclosed herein are fabrics having mesh-like openings to achieve lightweight. For instance, in some embodiments, the fabrics used to make thecompartments and bags disclosed herein have mesh openings with widths inthe range between about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm, between about 0.4 mm toabout 6 mm, between about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, greater than 0.2 mm orless than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, such mesh opening adoptsdiscrete geometrical shapes. For example, in some embodiments, themesh-like openings are hexagonal or circular in shape. Exemplarymaterials that include mesh like openings are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,518,798 issued to Riedel on May 21, 1996, which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

6. ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed in this section are additional embodiments of the apparatusand methods.

Embodiment 1. Provided is a container system for holding one or morereusable bags. The container system comprises a compartment. Permanentlyaffixed to this upon an exterior surface of this compartment is a firstpocket and either an attachment motif or a holder. The compartment, alsohaving an interior surface, comprises a first fabric and an opening thatis dimensioned and for receiving, removing and storing one or morereusable bags within the interior of the compartment. The compartmentfurther comprises an opening that is dimensioned and configured to haveat least a first state and a second state. When the opening is in thefirst state, the compartment is configured for receiving a reusable bagin the interior or removing a reusable bag from the interior. When theopening is in the second state, the compartment is configured forstoring a reusable bag in the interior but is not configured forreceiving or removing a reusable bag from the interior. The first pocketis permanently affixed to a first portion of the exterior surface of thecompartment and has a transparent portion (e.g., a clear plastic film isused as the surface of the first pocket). The first pocket is configuredto receive, produce, and store a shopping list comprising a plurality ofitems. The transparent portion of the first pocket is configured suchthat, when a shopping list is stored in the first pocket, the shoppinglist can be read through the transparent portion of the first pocket.The transparent portion of the pocket may be only semi-transparent ornon-transparent but designed with a mesh-like structure through whichthe shopping list can still be read.

The attachment motif is permanently affixed to a second portion of theexterior surface of the compartment or embedded in the compartment andit is configured to attach the container (and thus the container system)to an object (e.g., by using a magnet or a VELCRO® system). The optionalholder is configured for receiving a pen, a key chain, a Finders KeyPurse™ by using, for example, an elastic band, a ring, a loop or asimilar device. Methods for using the container system are alsoprovided. The optional holder is permanently affixed to a third portionof the exterior surface of the compartment through which a pen (or othertype of writing instrument) is attachable to the compartment.Alternatively, a key finder, a key chain, or a key locator or anythingthe like may be attached to the compartment through a holder device.

Embodiment 2. The container system of embodiment 1, where the containersystem comprises the holder.

Embodiment 3. The container system of embodiment 1 or 2, where thecontainer system comprises the attachment motif.

Embodiment 4. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through3, where the container system comprises the holder and the attachmentmotif.

Embodiment 5. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through4, where the first fabric is a flexible fabric that allows distortion ofa shape of the compartment.

Embodiment 6. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through5, where the first fabric comprises an animal textile, a plant textile,a mineral textile, a synthetic textile or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 7. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through6, where the first fabric comprises cotton, calico, satin, hessian,polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool, alpaca, cashmere, mohair,modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, cellose acetate, nylon, casein, flax,hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean protein fiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon,cellophane, silk, velvet, taffeta, Piña (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconutfiber), seaweed, modal, glass fiber, basalt fiber, elastane, carbonfiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber, acrylate, Abaca, olefinfiber, polyolefin, Vicuna fiber, polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber,polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, Lyocell, Kenaf fiber, polyphenylenesulfide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, orpolyurethane.

Embodiment 8. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through7, where the container system comprises the attachment motif and wherethe attachment motif is permanently affixed to the second portion of theexterior surface of the compartment.

Embodiment 9. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through8, where the container system comprises the attachment motif and wherethe attachment motif is a magnet embedded in the compartment.

Embodiment 10. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through9, where the container system comprises the attachment motif and wherethe attachment motif is a closed elongated structure by which thecontainer is suspended from an object.

Embodiment 11. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through10, where the compartment further comprises means of closure throughwhich the opening of the compartment is: (i) reversibly switched fromthe first state to the second state; and (ii) reversibly switched fromthe second state to the first state.

Embodiment 12. The container system of embodiment 11, where the means ofclosure comprises a button, a zipper, a two layer system comprising ahook layer and a loop layer, or a shoe lace system.

Embodiment 13. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through12, further comprising a reusable bag inside the compartment, where thereusable bag comprises a second fabric.

Embodiment 14. The container system of embodiment 13, where the secondfabric comprises a flexible fabric that allows the reusable bag to forma compact shape.

Embodiment 15. The container system of embodiment 13 or 14, where thesecond fabric comprises an animal textile, a plant textile, a mineraltextile, a synthetic textile or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 16. The container system of any one of embodiments 13 through15, where the second fabric comprises cotton, calico, satin, hessian,polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool, alpaca, cashmere, mohair,modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, cellulose acetate, nylon, casein, flax,hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean protein fiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon,cellophane, silk, velvet, taffeta, Piña (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconutfiber), seaweed, modal, glass fiber, basalt fiber, elastane, carbonfiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber, acrylate, Abaca, olefinfiber, polyolefin, Vicuna fiber, polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber,polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, Lyocell, Kenaf fiber, polyphenylenesulfide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, orpolyurethane.

Embodiment 17. The container system of any one of embodiments 13 through16, where the first fabric comprises nylon or leather and the secondfabric comprises nylon.

Embodiment 18. The container system of any one of embodiments 13 through17, where the reusable bag comprises means for grasping and carrying thereusable bag suspended from a hand.

Embodiment 19. The container system of embodiment 18, where the meansfor grasping and carrying the reusable bag is a handle or a shoulderstrap.

Embodiment 20. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through19, where the transparent portion of the first pocket comprises a sheermaterial that is substantially transparent to the human eye.

Embodiment 21. The container system of any one of embodiments 1 through20, further comprising a second pocket, where the second pocket isinside the compartment.

Embodiment 22. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through21, where the compartment further comprises two or more holders.

Embodiment 23. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through22, where the two or more holders are located on one side of thecompartment.

Embodiment 24. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through23, where the two or more holders are located on two or more sides ofthe compartment.

Embodiment 25. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through24, where one of the two or more holders holds a pen.

Embodiment 26. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through25, where one of the two or more holders holds a key locator.

Embodiment 27. The container system of any one of embodiments 2 through26, where one of the two or more holders holds a pen while another ofthe two or more holders holds a key locator.

Another aspect provides a method for utilizing a container system of anyone of embodiments 1 through 26. In the method, the compartment is setto a first state. When the opening is in this first state, thecompartment is configured to receive a reusable bag in the interior. Forexample, the opening is set in the first state by unzipping a zipper orzipper-like device, disengaging a hook layer and a loop layer, byexpending an elastic closing device, by unbuttoning a button, byreleasing a hook- or clasp-like device from its holder. When thecontainer is in the first state, a reusable bag made of a second fabricis put in the interior of the compartment. For example, the reusable bagis folded into a small and compact shape to fit the compartment. In someembodiments, pre-formed memory creases are use to help in folding thereusable bag into small and compact shapes. In some embodiments, thecompartment is configured to receive more than one reusable bag in theinterior. In some embodiments, two or more reusable bags are put intothe interior of the compartment by any of the aforementioned methods.

The compartment can be set to a second state, for example, when it hasreceived one or more reusable bags. When the opening is in the secondstate, the compartment is configured to store one or more reusable bagsin its interior. Once the compartment is in the second state, it is nolonger configured for receiving or removing the reusable bag from theinterior. For example, the opening is set in the second state by zippinga zipper or zipper-like device, engaging a hook layer and a loop layer,by releasing an elastic closing device, by buttoning a button, or byengaging a hook- or clasp-like device to its holder.

Another aspect further provides a method for placing a shopping list inthe first pocket, which is located on a portion of the exterior surfaceof the compartment. Alternatively, a coupon or other types of notes areplaced in the first pocket. The pocket has a transparent or partiallytransparent portion (e.g., a surface) through which the shopping list,coupon or note can be read without taking it out of the first pocket. Insome embodiments, the first pocket has a mesh-like structure.Accordingly, although its surface is not made of transparent orpartially transparent material, one can still read the list, coupon ornote without having to take the list, coupon or note out of the pocket.

Another aspect further provides a method for attaching the containersystem to an object using the attachment motif. In some embodiments, theattachment motif is a magnetic disk and the container system is attachedto a surface susceptible to magnetic forces, such as the front or sidesurface of a refrigerator, the front of an oven, or a kitchen countertop, a door, etc. In some embodiments, the attachment motif is a loop, astring, a band, a ring, or an elastic closing device and the containersystem is accordingly hung, by the attachment motif, to a hook, a knob,a handle, a nail, a key holder or any other protruding objects.

Another aspect further provides a method for reviewing a shopping listthrough the transparent portion of the first pocket.

Another aspect further provides a method that further comprises a stepof setting the compartment back to the first state. As mentionedhereinabove, the opening is set in the first state by unzipping a zipperor zipper-like device, disengaging a hook layer and a loop layer, byexpending an elastic closing device, by unbuttoning a button, byreleasing a hook- or clasp-like device from its holder. When thecontainer is in the first state, a reusable bag made of a second fabricis put in the interior of the compartment.

Still another aspect provides a method that comprises a step of removingthe reusable bag from the container.

For container systems further comprising a holder that is permanentlyaffixed to an exterior surface of the compartment, the method isprovided for inserting a pen or a key chain, or a key locator into theholder. An object such as a pen, a key locator, or a keychain is hungfrom the holder. Alternatively, when the holder is made of elasticmaterial, and the object held by the holder is held by elastic force.Accordingly, pens of different sizes can be inserted into and held bythe holder.

Another aspect provides a method for manufacturing the container systemof any one of the aforementioned embodiments. This method comprisesadding an attachment motif on a portion of the exterior surface of thecompartment. In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing thecontainer system of any one of embodiments of the instant inventionfurther comprises adding a holder on another portion of the exteriorsurface of the compartment.

Another aspect provides additional methods for manufacturing thecontainer system of any one of the aforementioned embodiments. Themethods comprise manufacturing the compartment with an exterior surfaceand an interior surface, where the compartment further comprises anopening that is dimensioned and configured to have at least a firststate and a second state. For example, the compartment is sewed into ashape that can receive and store one or more reusable bags. Thecompartment has an opening that can be set to a first state or a secondstate. When the opening is in the first state, the compartment isconfigured for receiving a reusable bag in the interior or removing areusable bag from the interior. When the opening is in the second state,the compartment is configured for storing a reusable bag in the interiorbut is not configured for receiving or removing a reusable bag from theinterior.

Another aspect provides a method for permanently attaching a pocket to aportion of the exterior surface of the compartment. The pocket has atransparent portion and the first pocket is permanently affixed to afirst portion of the exterior surface of the compartment. In preferredembodiments, the transparent portion of the pocket is made by an acetatefilm. For example, the transparent film is formed by extrusion orpressing method for forming a large piece of film and then cut intoappropriate sizes for the pockets on the compartments. The first pocketis configured to receive, produce, and store a shopping list comprisinga plurality of items. When a shopping list is stored in the firstpocket, the shopping list can be read through the transparent portion ofthe first pocket. Methods for permanently affixing the first pocket tothe compartment include but are not limited to sewing, heat pressing,stapling, gluing, etc.

Another aspect provides a method for permanently affixing to anotherportion of the exterior surface of the compartment an attachment motif.For example, the attachment motif can be embedded in the compartment bymethods such as sewing, pressing or gluing. The attachment motif ispermanently affixed to a portion of the exterior surface of thecompartment by methods such as sewing, heat pressing, stapling, etc. Forexample, a thin disk of magnet is permanently affixed to the compartmentby embedding the disk between layers of fabrics that form thecompartment. The attachment motif is configured to attach the containersystem to an object thereby supporting the container system when thecontainer system is attached to an object. For example, in someembodiments the attachment motif is a magnet disk, a bilayer system witha hook layer and a loop layer, or a band, hook that is embedded, sewed,glued to the compartment.

Still another aspect provides a method for permanently affixing a holderto still another portion of the exterior surface of the compartmentthrough which an object such as a pen, a key locator, or a keychain canbe attached to the compartment, for example, by means of sewing, heatpressing, stapling or gluing may be used to permanently affix the holderto a portion of the exterior surface of the compartment. For example, insome embodiments the holder is a thin elastic band with its ends sewedbetween the fabric that forms the compartment thereby forming aprotruding band or ring like structure.

7. REFERENCES CITED

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent or patent application was specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

8. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While the above description contains many specific embodiments, theyshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Manyother variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the inventionshould be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by theappended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A container system for holding one or more reusable bags, thecontainer system comprising: (a) a compartment that comprises a firstfabric, the compartment having an interior and the compartment having anexterior surface, wherein the compartment further comprises an openingthat is dimensioned and configured to have at least a first state and asecond state wherein, when the opening is in the first state, thecompartment is configured for receiving a reusable bag in said interioror removing a reusable bag from said interior, and when the opening isin the second state, the compartment is configured for storing areusable bag in said interior but is not configured for receiving orremoving a reusable bag from said interior; (b) a first pocket having atransparent portion, wherein the first pocket is permanently affixed toa first portion of said exterior surface of said compartment, whereinthe first pocket is configured to receive, produce, and store a shoppinglist comprising a plurality of items and wherein the transparent portionof the first pocket is configured such that, when a shopping list isstored in the first pocket, the shopping list can be read through thetransparent portion of the first pocket; and (c) either (i) anattachment motif permanently affixed to a second portion of saidexterior surface of said compartment or embedded in said compartment,wherein the attachment motif is configured to attach the containersystem to an object thereby supporting the container system when thecontainer system is attached to an object, or (ii) a holder permanentlyaffixed to a third portion of said exterior surface of said compartmentthrough which a pen, key chain or key finder may be attached to saidcompartment.
 2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the containersystem comprises said holder.
 3. The container system of claim 1,wherein the container system comprises said attachment motif.
 4. Thecontainer system of claim 1, wherein the container system comprises saidholder and said attachment motif.
 5. The container system of claim 1,wherein said first fabric is a flexible fabric that allows distortion ofa shape of said compartment.
 6. The container system of claim 1, whereinsaid first fabric comprises an animal textile, a plant textile, amineral textile, a synthetic textile or a combination thereof.
 7. Thecontainer system of claim 1, wherein said first fabric comprises cotton,calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool, alpaca,cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, cellulose acetate,nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean protein fiber, Manilahemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, velvet, taffeta, Pin a (pineapplefiber), Coir (coconut fiber), seaweed, modal, glass fiber, basalt fiber,elastane, carbon fiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylic fiber,acrylate, Abaca, olefin fiber, polyolefin, Vicuna fiber,polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, Lyocell,Kenaf fiber, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyurethane.
 8. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the container system comprises said attachment motifand wherein said attachment motif is permanently affixed to said secondportion of said exterior surface of said compartment.
 9. The containersystem of claim 1, wherein the container system comprises saidattachment motif and wherein said attachment motif is a magnet embeddedin said compartment.
 10. The container system of claim 1, wherein thecontainer system comprises said attachment motif and wherein saidattachment motif is a closed elongated structure by which the containeris suspended from an object.
 11. The container system of claim 1,wherein said compartment further comprises means of closure throughwhich said opening of said compartment is: (i) reversibly switched fromthe first state to the second state; and (ii) reversibly switched fromthe second state to the first state.
 12. The container system of claim11, wherein said means of closure comprises a button, a zipper, a twolayer system comprising a hook layer and a loop layer, or a shoe lacesystem.
 13. The container system of claim 1, further comprising areusable bag inside said compartment, wherein said reusable bagcomprises a second fabric.
 14. The container system of claim 13, whereinsaid second fabric comprises a flexible fabric that allows said reusablebag to form a compact shape.
 15. The container system of claim 13,wherein said second fabric comprises an animal textile, a plant textile,a mineral textile, a synthetic textile or a combination thereof.
 16. Thecontainer system of claim 13, wherein said second fabric comprisescotton, calico, satin, hessian, polycotton, bamboo, grass, jute, wool,alpaca, cashmere, mohair, modacrylic, viacose, cellulose, celluloseacetate, nylon, casein, flax, hemp, nettle, sisal, soybean proteinfiber, Manila hemp, ramie, rayon, cellophane, silk, velvet, taffeta, Pina (pineapple fiber), Coir (coconut fiber), seaweed, modal, glass fiber,basalt fiber, elastane, carbon fiber, polyester, aramid fiber, acrylicfiber, acrylate, Abaca, olefin fiber, polyolefin, Vicuna fiber,polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber, polyactide fiber, LUREX®, linen, Lyocell,Kenaf fiber, polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyurethane.
 17. The container system ofclaim 13, wherein said first fabric comprises nylon or leather and thesecond fabric comprises nylon.
 18. The container system of claim 13,wherein said reusable bag comprises means for grasping and carrying thereusable bag suspended from a hand.
 19. The container system of claim18, wherein said means for grasping and carrying the reusable bag is ahandle or a shoulder strap.
 20. The container system of claim 1, whereinsaid transparent portion of the first pocket comprises a sheer materialthat is substantially transparent to the human eye.
 21. The containersystem of claim 1, further comprising a second pocket, wherein thesecond pocket is inside said compartment.
 22. The container system ofclaim 1, further comprising a water repellent coating overlayed on theexterior surface.
 23. The container system of claim 2, furthercomprising two or more holders.
 24. The container system of claim 23,wherein said two or more holders are located on one side of saidcompartment.
 25. The container system of claim 23, wherein said two ormore holders are located on two or more sides of said compartment. 26.The container system of claim 23, wherein one of said two or moreholders holds a pen.
 27. The container system of claim 23, wherein oneof said two or more holders holds a key locator.
 28. The containersystem of claim 23, wherein one of said two or more holders holds a penwhile another of said two or more holders holds a key locator.
 29. Amethod for utilizing a container system, wherein the container systemcomprises a compartment that is made of a first fabric, the compartmenthaving an interior, wherein the compartment comprises an opening that isdimensioned and configured to have at least a first state and a secondstate, and wherein the container system comprises (i) a first pocketpermanently attached to an exterior surface of the compartment, thefirst pocket comprising a transparent portion, and (ii) an attachmentmotif affixed to or embedded in said compartment, the method comprising:(A) setting the compartment to said first state, wherein, when theopening is in the first state, the compartment is configured to receivea reusable bag in said interior; (B) placing a reusable bag made of asecond fabric in said interior of said compartment; (C) setting thecompartment to said second state, wherein, when the opening is in thesecond state, the compartment is configured to store the reusable bag insaid interior but is not configured for receiving or removing thereusable bag from said interior; (D) placing a shopping list in thefirst pocket; (E) attaching the container system to an object using theattachment motif, and (F) reviewing a shopping list through thetransparent portion of the first pocket.
 30. The method of claim 29, themethod further comprising: (G) setting the compartment to said firststate; and (H) removing the reusable bag from the container.
 31. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the container system further comprises aholder permanently affixed to an exterior surface of the container, themethod further comprising: (G) inserting a pen, a key chain or a keyfiner into the holder.